Subject

Light of the World

Text

n/a

Inscription

To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of William Byrne Senr. died July 3rd., 1923. William Byrne Junr., died July 15th., 1926. Lieut. Leslie Byrne, M.C., killed Sept. 18th., 1918. Erected by G.E. Byrne and Family Sept. 1927.

Description & History

Leslie Byrne enlisted at the age of 21 on 14 September 1914. Although brought up in Trentham, he was living in Brunswick and working as a driver in 1914. Serving with 14 Battalion he received a gun shot wound to his 'lower extremities' and, although this was not considered 'serious', it required his evacuation to England. Byrne returned to Egypt on 1 January 1916 and transferred to 46 Battalion, proceeding to France as Corporal. Promoted to Sergeant on 30 August 1916, Byrne commenced officer training. His ability was recognised when he was awarded the Military Cross for reorganising and leading his company after their commander became a casualty during heavy bombardment on 3 April 1918. Soon after returning to his unit after another period of sick leave in England, he was killed in action, on 18 September 1918. He was buried at Hudson's Post by the Reverend JH Justice, with 12 Australian Infantry Brigade in attendance.